LearnHarmony.org

Software

I’ve been working on a project lately for learning the next version of JavaScript. It is called LearnHarmony.org. It allows for in-browser experimentation of next-generation JavaScript features. I’ve created several micro-lessons on the features that are available and I will be adding more to come.

There are a couple of fun things regarding this:

  • The entire site is a static SPA, built with ES6 features
  • You can run ES6 features directly in the browser
  • I hijacked the console and display it on-screen to make play easier
  • This site was built with Traceur and the REPL window also uses Traceur.

Have Fun!

NodeBots at Codemash

Software

An epic thing happened last week. The CodeMash 2015 session list was released. There are some AMAZING sessions lined up. I can’t wait to go. Don’t forget to register!

NodeBots at CodeMash

NodeBots at CodeMash

One particular session I am excited about is the NodeBots pre-compiler. John Chapman and I are working hard to put together an immersive hacking experience. With over $5000 worth of Arduinos, servos, electronics, power sources, cables, wood, tools, and artsy-craftsy stuff (all donated by my employer, CareEvolution), you just need to supply the creativity.

More details will follow later (follow us on Twitter), but here are some simple details:

  1. The NodeBots pre-compiler will run BOTH Tuesday and Wednesday
  2. You will pick ONE of those days to attend
  3. You will need to pre-register in order to participate
  4. You will build a bot to compete in the “Octogon Battle” or “Autonomous Maze”.
  5. If you don’t want to compete in one of those things, you can hack and build however you want.

At one of our recent hackathons, we beta-tested the NodeBots event and it was really, really fun. We even made a highlights video!

Hacking Nodebots

Our NodeBots Hackathon Summary

Software

Our NodeBots Hackathon

I discussed the plans for our “Battle of the NodeBots” Hackathon project a couple of weeks ago. The outcome was much better than I had expected. The creativity unleashed for that one day was enough to fuel us for months.

We had offensive bots using spinning bashers, propellors, flippers, and quarter dumping. We had agile bots, employing wireless communication and sophisticated control mechanisms. We had defensive bots which used a 5 pound weight to increase mass. We had a sabotage bot which created electromagnetic fields to disrupt their oponents’ electronics. We even had an “Empirial Walker” style robot which slowly approached its opponent with friction on its side.

In all, we had 16 people building 8 robots with Arduinos, Johnny-Five, wood, hot glue, and all sorts of random components.

The rules of the game were simple:

  1. Build your bot however you want, but use the two continuous servos as your primary drive mechanism
  2. The is a hexagon, approximately 4 feet wide on carpet
  3. You are given 3 1-minute rounds to knock your opponent completely out of the arena. A successful KO will win the match and the bot moves on.
  4. If after 1 minute, a KO is not achieved, the bot with their Arduino closest to the center dot gets 1 point.
  5. If after 3 rounds, nobotty has achieved a KO, the bot with the most points wins a “Technical KO” and the bot moves on.

Here is a “Highlights Video”